The objective of this survey was to determine the capacity of general practitioners to deliver periodontal therapy. This study revealed that only 33% of the dentists surveyed routinely carried out periodontal therapy. The remaining 67% selectively or seldom delivered periodontal therapy. Of the variables investigated, the only variable which played a significant role in the delivery of periodontal treatment was the time since graduation of the dentists, all other factors had no significant influence. 35% of practitioners who had graduated less than 5 years ago routinely carried out periodontal treatment, whereas 50% of practitioners who had been in practice for more than 20 years seldom carried out periodontal therapy. The possible reasons for not delivering periodontal treatment more frequently are discussed.